Jang Seob Yoon
Research expert covering South Korea
Freight transport in South Korea - statistics and facts
South Korea's geographic characteristics make it a hub for international trade. Despite having closed borders on land due to relations with its northern counterpart, the country boasts easy access to the ocean as a peninsula. Additionally, it is located between leading economies China and Japan whilst also being in proximity to other developing countries in the region. Domestically, South Korea is home to a thriving e-commerce market that commonly offers next-day delivery, and the nation ranks among the top Asian countries according to the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index.
Domestic freight in South Korea
Within South Korea's borders, the vast majority of cargo is transported via land. Trucks loaded with goods traverse the country to fulfill orders and keep supply chains running. In particular, small-sized commercial vehicles such as Hyundai's Porter 2 and Kia's Bongo 3 are proving popular options according to automobile unit sales data in South Korea. Cargo-only train stations and coastal harbors provide additional possibilities for transporting freight domestically.International freight from South Korea
South Korea leverages its coastlines via various ports and harbors for domestic and international freight transportation. Major trade ports such as Busan port, one of the largest ports worldwide, are managed on a national government level, while smaller and coastal ports are under the jurisdiction of local governments. As for air transport, international air cargo has been handled exclusively at Incheon International Airport in recent years. Despite having multiple airports equipped for air cargo, this has not been a preferred method of transport for domestic freight.
